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Borrego Springs, CA

Thursday, January 5, 2012

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I !

The sky was blue with no winds as I took Emma for her first outs this morning.  Yahoo!  However, shortly after I started getting things ready to head out a dense fog bank rolled in.  Hmm…what to do?  I decided to continue with my preparations, and it was a good decision.  We rolled out by 9:30 to begin our 220 mile trek to Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR.  The last five miles to I-10 were as white knuckle as I had expected, and that 25 mile drive took me close to an hour.

Then we zipped along to just east of Baton Rouge.  The construction traffic wasn’t too bad, but once we were on I-12 things soon came to a virtual stop.  It took me almost an hour to go seven miles.  Turns out it was an awful accident involving several 18 wheelers.  Then it was an absolute must that I find a gas station.  My first try was a bust.  No way to get my rig with the toad in and out for gasoline.  It would have been okay if I needed diesel, but of course I don’t.  Eventually I was able to find a place to fuel up, and put in 73 gallons.  I don’t like to get that low on fuel so I was becoming a nervous wreck. 

_MG_5509

Finally, close to 3:00, I pulled into the refuge.  I had two sites to choose from, but I was not at all comfortable with trying to get into the one I had chosen.  Too many trees too close together for my nerves.  Luckily, Tom, one of the other volunteers that drives a motorhome, said he would maneuver it into the site; and he very carefully did so.  I suppose I could have done it myself, but I’m not so proud that I don’t appreciate help when I’m nervous about something.  _MG_5512

I also had some help from another volunteer, Don, with the initial set up.  He had pretty much done all the improvements on this site, and he and his wife, Mary, helped me get the electric, water, and sewer connections done which involved traipsing through the undergrowth.  We all moved the heavy picnic table in front of the rig, and I was good to go for the night.  Tomorrow I’ll tackle the DISH set up, which will be a challenge, and finish up a few other things for an extended stay.

I also found that I knew another volunteer couple that is here.  I volunteered with Al and Phyllis back in 2007 at Laguna Atascosa NWR.  It’s amazing how our paths cross without planning.

_MG_5511Just before sunset, I took a quick walk down to the bayou where I did some kayaking last year.  Yep, it’s still there.  Smile  I’m happy to be back.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

25 comments:

  1. How nice for a fellow volunteer to help you out with backing in your site! Looks like a wonderful location...

    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

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  2. I can see why you were a bit nervous. That one overhanging limb is just a mite close. Glad you arrived safely and are getting settled.

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  3. Good to see you have made it back to the Magnolia state. Really like the looks of your site. Hope you have a great season here. Might drop in on you one day.

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  4. I know what you mean about all the pumps big enough are for diesel. What's up with that??

    Beautiful site. Your rig looks GREAT there. 220 miles in one day with all those slow downs must have taken forever.

    Sherry
    www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com

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  5. Glad to hear you arrived at your destination. Looks like a great place to be with folks who are already to be great neighbors.

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  6. Glad you made it safe and sound. Nice of the guy to get you parked. I would have taken out half the rig and trees. Looks like a nice place

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  7. I am not sure if the picture is accurate, but if that limb is overhanging the coach, I would be very nervous.

    I hope you have a great stay:)

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  8. I can see why it would be nerve wracking trying to pull into that site. I hope you can get DISH to work there. Lots of trees! I hate where I10 & I12 merge. It's even worse if one doesn't know to cut it all the way over to the left so you can easily slide onto 12! And is 12 going to be under construction forever??? At least Emma is spared from the driving ;-)

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  9. Nice site you have there...even if it was a bit nerve-wracking to get into. Welcome to your "newest" home.

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  10. I'm always pleased when I hear about folks helping one another out. That's what it's all about.

    Looking forward to more amazing photos!

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  11. So nice to have helpful neighbors when you need them!
    You went kayaking last year in the bayou?!
    Don't alligators live in there with big sharp teeth?!
    Enjoy your new space!

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  12. I DO LOVE Mi-double letter-i double letter i-double letter i!!!(an old grade school trick). Your spot reminds me of Goose Island and backing in between the Live Oaks..and I didn't have to do it. McGyver backs it in with me doing hand signals (some not so nice)..Glad you are all nestled in...NOW LET'S GO SEE SOME CRANES!!

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  13. You did the right thing, there are times when if your not comfortable, there is a reason, so stop. Look around ask for help even if it's just a couple wing walkers, it will surely save in the wear & tear and scratches to the paint. Sounds like your almost done with the setup. be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

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  14. We will be in Moss Point probably starting on the 26th. Sure hope we will be able to connect. Our stay will be three weeks.

    Wow, that is one big rig you drive!

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  15. We will be at the Escapees park starting Monday the 9th until probably the 26th. Then we move to Caswell Springs UMC near Moss Point until Feb 17. While at Moss Point we will be on a NOMADS project. But only work Mon-Thurs.

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  16. That looks like a beautiful site, Judy. Definitely worth taking the help to get into it. Enjoy your stay in your new home!

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  17. Great looking spot but that one branch doesn't look too good if you get a storm. Of course, you can't always tell from a photo angle if it is right over your rig.

    http://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com/

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  18. I remember so many occasions in my brief RVing life when someone would come to my assistance maneuvering into a space, getting me out of a tight spot I couldn't handle, and various other occasions. And let's be honest, it was always help from a kind and generous man. Sometimes I would just shake my head in wonder at what they could do. So I say thanks to all the helpful guys out there.

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  19. It's nice to let someone else do the backing in sometimes. I once negotiated for a guy to back my tent trailer into a spot I preferred for letting his friends have the one I had reserved. Talk about double win! :)

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  20. You are certainly in among the trees. Glad to see you got the rig backed in o.k. even with a little help.

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  21. I was always amazed at the tiny places Rich could maneuver our motorhomes into. I used to cringe, but he always remained calm, cool, and collected. There are times I regret selling it, but I know I would have had it a wreck by now! We watched some poor soul drive under a huge branch of a big old oak tree on St. Simon's Island many years ago. (He really shouldn't have been where he was, but we all get into those situations every now and then) I thought the locals were going to lynch him. They had to removed the limb to get him out and he had a lot of damage.

    Glad you're in Mississippi and look forward to all your stories and pictures. Sure wish I was out there. The shots didn't work so doc said I could have one more, and then we have to discuss other options. I've had trouble keeping up with all the blogs--miss one day and I have a day's reading. Between that and the book I'm reading, it's a constant battle which I want to read first! Pats and love to Emma.

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  22. Now, ...... without looking spell it backwards! hehehe

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  23. Sure can't blame you for taking up the offer of help to back in the motor home - especially with those trees!

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